|
Broadstairs Bulldogs Withdraw From All Competitive Rugby For 2007 Season
- posted on Friday 22nd June 2007
Having tasted unparalleled success in their first two seasons, it is with regret that the Broadstairs Bulldogs Amateur Rugby League Football Club has decided to withdraw from all competitive rugby for the 2007 season.
The Bulldogs were founded in 2005 by Australian Ben Bryant, northern stalwart, Phil Sykes and local lad, Michael Simmonds and they quickly became a force to be reckoned with in their first season.
Made up primarily by rugby union players from Thanet Wanderers RFC and based at St. Peter's Rec, Bulldogs went through their first season losing only one game at Met Police.
They went on to top the London Merit League and followed that up with a win in the London play-offs over Colchester Romans and earned a promotion to the Rugby League Conference South-East for the 2006 season.
The 2006 season saw the Bulldogs improve and go through the season once again with only one loss to a Royal Navy side.
They topped the RLC table and won the Grand Final against Greenwich in August 2006.
Having qualified for the national quarter-final and with the rugby union season approaching, the Bulldogs took the decision to forfeit that match and withdraw from those play-offs.
Having taken that decision, the Rugby League then placed the Bulldogs in a league with 3 other for the 2007 season with each opponent being over 100 miles away.
Unfortunately the distances that the Bulldogs were being asked to travel as well as the likelihood of opposition teams visiting Broadstairs, the club took the decision to withdraw from that league.
The upshot of that decision is that the Broadstairs Bulldogs will play no competitive games in 2007 but will aim to regroup and rejoin a competitive league in 2008.
The committee wish to thank all the players, administrators, supporters and media who helped Broadstairs Bulldogs to gain the success that they did in such a short period of time and we hope to see you all again in 2008.
Thank you,
BBARLFC Committee
|
|
Bulldogs Withdraw From National 1/4s
- posted on Wednesday 9th August 2006
Dear All,
I would firstly like to apologise for Broadstairs Bulldogs withdrawal from the National Competition. I hope after reading this you will understand the reasons behind this.
Broadstairs is a very new club and have exceeded all expectations with first winning the London League last season and winning the regional competition this year. Broadstairs is made up entirely of Thanet Wanderers rugby union players at the moment. With the rugby union season already upon us many of the players are now unavailable because of their union commitments and can not afford any type of injury this close to the union campaign. Thanet Wanderers is the home of the Bulldogs and they have supported the Bulldogs since day one. To avoid any conflict of interest we have had to take this step.
It is Broadstairs intention to recruit players that are not union players for next season to increase the squad size which would mean this situation did not occur again in the future.
I apologise once more and wish Gloucester the best of luck in their efforts to become National Champions.
Regards,
Michael Simmonds
Club Secretary
|
|
Bulldogs Win RLC South-East Final
- posted on Sunday 6th August 2006
Broadstairs Bulldogs successfully wrapped the Rugby League Conference South-East with a hard fought 28-22 victory over Greenwich Admirals at St. Peter's Rec.
Bulldogs have now earned the right to be promoted to RLC Premier but for the moment, it’s back to rugby union with Thanet Wanderers RUFC.
See the 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
|
|
Simmonds In South England Squad
- posted on Sunday 6th August 2006
The North of England vs The South of England Origin Match takes place on 27th August 2006 at Hemel Stags Ground K.O 2.30. Bulldogs back-rower Mike Simmonds has been named on the South of England bench for this match.
A spokesman said, "There were some tough choices to be made and thats credit to all the players who have tried out this year. The standard is getting better with each year."
|
|
Thanet To Host First Ever Grand Final
- posted on Monday 24th July 2006
Thanet will host it's first ever Rugby League Grand Final on Saturday 5th August 2006 when Greenwich Admirals visit St. Peter's Rec in the RLC South East Grand Final.
The Bulldogs had originally been planning to run a coach to that game as the Rugby League had decreed that it takes place on a neutral venue. But they have now ruled that the final will be played at the ground of the team with the best league record.
As the Bulldogs finished top of the league table having lost only one match, Thanet will host it's first ever Grand Final at St. Peter's Rec on Saturday 5th August 2006 against Greenwich Admirals with a 2.30pm kick-off.
In the two meetings between the two sides this season, Bulldogs have come out on top by 42-28 at Woolwich Barracks and by 38-12 at St. Peter's two weeks ago. Both were hard fought battles and the Grand Final will be another.
See the 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
|
|
Broadstairs Bulldogs v RAF Development Squad - 22nd July 2006
- posted on Tuesday 18th July 2006
After the bad news that Broadstairs Bulldogs play-off semi-final against Hemel Stags was cancelled, better news has arrived that we have managed to get a replacement fixture versus an RAF Development side. The games takes place on Saturday 22nd July 2006 at St. Peter's Rec with a 3pm kick-off.
The game is expected to be the toughest encounter yet for the Bulldogs in season 2006. The RAF side recently beat Greenwich Admirals in convincing fashion, the same Greenwich side which Broadstairs have beaten twice this season.
Coach Phil Sykes said, "It's a real shame that we lost the Hemel fixture, not least for our supporters. But this latest challenge from the RAF Development side will be tough and exactly what we need in our preparation for the Grand Final on August 5th. We have a chance to play some good rugby league against one of the best sides in the south and we will have to play controlled aggressive rugby to win the game on Saturday. Once again it's tackles down, mouths shut and time for disciplined rugby."
Bulldogs are expected to field a strong side in this game and the result and the style in which they attack this encounter will prove just how far the Bulldogs have come in their short 2-year existence.
The game kicks-off at 3pm on Saturday 22nd July 2006 at St. Peter's Recreation Ground, Callis Court Road, Broadstairs and the bar will be open from 1pm onwards for refreshments.
|
|
Hemel Cancellation Sends Bulldogs To Final
- posted on Friday 14th July 2006
Hemel Stags have unfortunately pulled out of the RLC South-East play-offs due to a lack of commitment to training and playing. This means that the proposed semi-final between Bulldogs and Hemel Stags on Saturday 22nd July 2006 has been cancelled.
Bulldogs therefore have been given a bye straight through to the RLC South-East Final to be played on Saturday 5th August 2006. The venue of that final is currently unannounced although it will be at a neutral vanue within the South East.
As soon as it is announced we will publish the information on this website but to save you the effort, why not subscribe for Email Updates.
In the meantime, Bulldogs are left without any opposition between now and the final on August 5th but we are actively seeking opposition in the area.
See the 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
|
|
Bulldogs Claim Top-Spot In RLC South
- posted on Thursday 29th June 2006
Unable to raise a XIII, Haringey called to let us know they would not be travelling down to play us.
As a result, Bulldogs take a 24-0 victory, 2 points and with it, top-spot and home advantage in the play-offs.
In other results in RLC South, St. Albans failed to raise a side against Hemel who take a 24-0 win and Greenwich defeated Kent Ravens by 32-12.
See the 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
|
|
Bulldogs All But Seal Top Spot
- posted on Monday 26th July 2006
A convincing and hard-fought win over Hemel Stags on Saturday leaves Bulldogs all but having sealed top spot in RLC South. If they were to lose their 2 remaining games and Hemel Stags win their remaining games by huge margins, then mathematically they could be caught. Top spot in the RLC South guarantees home advantage in the play-offs.
See the 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
|
|
Bulldogs Representatives in Southern Counties Trials
- posted on Sunday 18th June 2006
- written by Kris Finneran
Bank Holiday Monday, 29th May saw three representatives from the Broadstairs Bulldogs travel back up to Junction 21of the M25 for the third time in consecutive weeks to play in the Southern Counties Trial Match versus the North West.
Michael Simmonds, Kris Finneran and Daniel Clement all travelled up, some feeling a little less lively than others, to a rather damp and chilly Hemel Stags ground where they met with around 30 other players from all over Southern England.
The match ended up being split into four, 20 minute periods in order that each player might get a decent run out in front of scouts from, amongst others, the England Lionhearts.
The three Bulldogs held their own against rather more experienced and better drilled players, and although the Southern team went down 36-12 to the stronger Northern side, many positives were taken out of the game, especially when you consider that all three of the Broadstairs lads were only playing in their second season of RL (much to the suprise of the coaches and scouts present!)
I think that I can speak on behalf of the three of us when i say that, after having our fixture against Haringey cancelled last minute, it was great to get some rugby in that weekend, even if it did mean travelling, and i believe that we have all been contacted by the Coaches at Southern counties and invited back to future training camps.
By far the biggest positive of the day were the links that Bulldogs managed to forge with more Rugby League clubs, southern and northern, and look towards strengthening our contacts within the Rugby League community.
|
|
Thanet Junior Schools Rugby League Festival
- posted on Sunday 18th June 2006
- written by Kris Finneran
Friday 9th June will go down as one fo the hottest days so far this year, and one of the most entertaining events of Rugby League seen at St Peters Recreation Ground as around 80 children from differnet Junior Schools attended the Rugby League Festival organised by the Bulldogs in conjunction with Tescos Extra.
Teams from St Peters, St Josephs, Upton, Dame Janet and Newlands all turned out for a day of fun, sun and Rugby League, with a healthy lunch provided by Tescos and coaching from our own Bulldogs players, including Machael Simmonds, Rupert Syred, Tom MacDonald and Kris Finneran.
After a mass participant warm up and stretching session, the kids, aged from 8 to 10 years old, were split into four mixed groups and run through the basics of Rugby League, from positioning to passing and playing the ball.
After a break for Lunch and some messing around (which included me making a monkey out of Rupert and being attacked by a mob of little monsters), events of the day began in earnest, with each school organising their pupils into teams of 10 ready for a League and Knockout tournament.
After some expansive and creative rugby from the youngsters (and some rather dubious refereeing performances), the teams were sent through to the knock out stages, which, when the final whistles were blown, saw Upton's two teams progress through to face each other in the Grand Final, which was won by the upton 'A' team. ("I pity the Fool....I aint flyin' in no plane" etc etc etc!)
At the end of what turned out to be a really entertaining and educational day for the kids, they all took part in a photo shoot with the Bulldogs players and a representative from our sponsor, Tesco, and everybody was awarded a medal for participation in the event, with a Bulldogs T-Shirt going to the winning Upton team, several of which were in attendance for the Match the next day against Kent Ravens, showing signs of Bulldogs strengthening links within the community.
|
|
Bulldogs Victory Marred By Injury
- posted on Saturday 17th June 2006
Having accumulated a 34-0 lead before half time, Broadstairs game versus St Albans was abandoned due to a broekn leg to a Centurions player. The referee made the decision based on the injury and scoreline.
Bulldogs pass our greatest sympathies onto the Centurions player and hope that he gets better as soon as possible.
In other games, Hemel travelled to Kent Ravens and racked up a 46-30 victory whereas the result of the other game between Haringey and Greenwich is currently unavailable.
See the 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
|
|
Bulldogs v Centurions - Saturday 17th June 2006, KO 2.30pm
- posted on Friday 16th June 2006
Broadstairs Bulldogs next game kicks off tomorrow Saturday 17th June 2006 at 2.30pm at St. Peter's Rec, Broadstairs. This week's opposition is provided by St. Albans Centurions who this season have won 1 and lost 4 of their RLC South matches.
In the last encounter between the 2 sides, Bulldogs came away from Hertfordshire with an emphatic 60-16 victory but there will be no complacency in Phil Sykes' side as they aim to stay at the top of the table.
In other fixtures in the RLC South, Kent Ravens entertain Hemel Stags and Haringey travel to Greenwich Admirals. Results going Bulldogs way could see them open up a 4-point gap at the top of the table but they are keen to ensure that Ravens do not sneak up on them.
The game kicks off at 2.30pm and the bar will be open for refreshments at least 1-hour before kick-off. Once again, the big screen will be available to keep up-to-date on all the World Cup action.
Finally, the Thanet Wanderers 450 club draw will take place after the game in the clubhouse.
|
|
Ravens Wings Clipped In Broadstairs
- posted on Sunday 11th June 2006
Bulldogs run continued on Saturday at a scorching St. Peter's with an emphatic 58-22 top-of-the-table victory over Kent Ravens.
In other fixtures in RLC South, St Albans went down at home 48-10 to a resurgent Haringey Hornets XIII and Greenwich Admirals beat Hemel Stags 48-25.
Those results leave Bulldogs clear at the top of the table with 4 more teams to visit St. Peter's over the next 4 Saturdays. All games will kick of at 2.30pm.
See the 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
|
|
Bulldogs At Last To Play At St. Peters!!!
- posted on Sunday 4th June 2006
In what has been so far a strange set of fixtures, Bulldogs WILL eventually play their first home game of the season this Saturday 10th June 2006 at St. Peter's Recreation Ground, Broadstairs.
Joint table-toppers Kent Ravens have confirmed their arrival this coming Saturday and a 1.00pm KO has been agreed upon to allow the Ravens time to get here and the rest of us a chance to watch most of England's 1st World Cup game.
The bar will be open from 12noon for pre-match refreshments as well as after the game to watch the football on the big screen.
This will be the first of 5 consecutive home games for the Bulldogs as their travels have been completed for the 2006 regular season with all 5 competitors still having to come to Thanet. All other home games will kick-off at the regular time of 2.30pm.
See the 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
|
|
Bulldogs Eventually Sail Past Admirals
- posted on Sunday 4th June 2006
Bulldogs were made to work hard by Greenwch Admirals for this 44-28 victory in the searing heat of Woolwich Barracks.
With a few last minute withdrawals, coach Phil Sykes had to shuffle his pack and backline to cope with the changes.
Bulldogs let a 28-6 halftime lead ebb away to 28-28 before scoring 3 unanswered tries in the final 10 minutes. Yan N'Dong scored a hat-trick in his first Bulldogs game in 2006.
See the 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
|
|
Admirals Next Stop For Bulldogs
- posted on Thursday 1st June 2006
Top-of-the-table Broadstairs Bulldogs continue their march towards hopeful RLC success with their local derby - at Greenwich Admirals. The admirals play at Woolwich Barracks but due to the nature of rugby league outside of the M62 heartland, the 60 mile trip is the closest that the Bulldogs will play to Thanet outside of St. Peters.
New captain and ex-London Bronco, Will Hardgrave has an almost fully fit squad to choose from although stand-off Tommy Longdon will face a late fitness test.
You can continue to keep up-to-date with all things Bulldogs via this website and our Message Board which you can get to from the menu on the left.
See the 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
|
|
Bulldogs Beat Hornets By Default
- posted on Sunday 28th May 2006
Haringey Hornets were unable to field a side to travel to Broadstairs on Saturday and therefore forfeited the 2 points.
In other results in the RLC South, Kent Ravens beat Greenwich Admirals by 34-16.
The results leave Bulldogs still top of the RLC South on points difference from Kent Ravens.
Next up are Greenwich Admirals away next Saturday 3rd June 2006.
See the 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
|
|
Bulldogs Fail In Attempt For 3rd Away Victory
- posted on Sunday 21st May 2006
Bulldogs narrowly failed to win this 3rd away game in 3 weeks at Hemel by the closest of margins, 24-22.
In other results in the RLC South, Greenwich Admirals beat St Albans Centurions 28-18 and Kent Ravens won away at Haringey Hornets 34-4.
The results still leave Bulldogs top of the RLC South on points difference from Hemel Stags, Kent Ravens and Greenwich Admirals.
See the 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
|
|
Bulldogs Travel To Hemel
- posted on Friday 19th May 2006
Bulldogs continue their RLC campaign tomorrow with another long away trip, this time to Hemel Hempstead in Hertfordshire to take on the Hemel Stags.
Hemel have won one and lost one so far this year, notably to the Kent Ravens who Bulldogs beat in Round 1 but there will be no complacency in Mike Simmonds' 17-man squad.
The first home game is only 8 days away as well as Haringey Hornets travel to Broadstairs on Saturday 27th May 2006 where all supporters are encouraged to come along to St. Peter's and cheer on the Bulldogs. Kick-off is at 2.30pm.
Look out for the posters around town and grab a friend or two and come along and join in the fun.
You can keep up-to-date with all things Bulldogs via this website as the season continues. Also feel free to post anything on our Message Board which you can get to from the menu on the left.
|
|
Rampaging Bulldogs Decimate Centurions
- posted on Sunday 14th May 2006
The Broadstairs Bulldogs continued their quality early season form with a rampaging 60-16 victory at St. Albans Centurions in which winger Richard Smith scored a hat-trick.
In other games in the Conference, Kent ravens came away from Hemel Stags with a 22-20 victory and Greenwich Admirals beat Haringey Hornets 24-0.
See 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
|
|
Broadstairs Bulldogs start season on a winning note
- posted on Sunday 7th May 2006
The Broadstairs Bulldogs started their league season with a hard fought 24-10 victory at closest neighbours, Kent Ravens on Saturday. See 2006 Fixtures page for more details.
In the other games in the Regional Conference South, Haringey Hornets defaulted against St Albans Centurions leaving a default scoreline of 24-0 and Hemel Stags defeated Greenwich Admirals by 46-20. Those results leave Bulldogs in 3rd place in the table.
|
|
Broadstairs Bulldogs vs South London Storm - 23rd April 2006, KO 2pm
- posted on Friday 21st April 2006
The Broadstairs Bulldogs start their season on Saturday 21st April 2006 with a game against South London Storm at Hereson School, Ramsgate Road, Broadstairs. All players are asked to contact Mike Simmonds to confirm their availability. All spectators are welcome.
|
|
Broadstairs Bulldogs AGM On Wednesday 22nd February 2006
- Friday 10th February 2006
The Broadstairs Bulldogs Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place at Thanet Wanderers RFC Clubhouse on WEDNESDAY 22nd FEBRUARY 2006, starting at 7pm.
The main points for discussion will be;
- The committee will be voted in.
- The aims for the season and next five years
- What has happened since winning the Final
- Lottery / Merchandise / Membership
All club members or potential club members are welcome to atend.
|
|
AMENDMENT TO FIXTURES For Seson 2006
- Friday 10th February 2006
The previously published fixtures for Broadstairs Bulldogs have been amended by the Rugby League Conference. The new fixtures can be seen at the Fixtures 2006 page.
Everyone who has registered for club updates will be informed over the next few days. If you want to register for updates, you can do so on the Fixtures 2006 page.
|
|
The Rose, Broadstairs To Sponsor The Bulldogs
- Friday 10th February 2006
The Rose Public House, Albion Street, Broadstairs have confirmed they will be one of the Bulldogs' sponsors for season 2006.
David, the manager said, "We are keen to support a local club like the Broadstairs Bulldogs. It is always a pleasure when the players join us in The Rose for a beer. We hope we will be celebrating as much this season as the club did last year."
|
|
Thanks to Pierremont Car Centre For Season 2005
- Thursday 9th February 2006
Broadstairs Bulldogs would like to thank Pierremonts Car Centre for their support in our inaugural season 2005. Pierremonts have decided not to sponsor the Bulldogs in season 2006, but we do have a number of potential sponsors and hope to announce this very soon.
|
|
Purchase Bulldogs Merchandise Online at Forty-Twenty
- Wednesday 8th February 2006
Broadstairs Bulldogs ARLFC will soon have an Online Shop where all kit will be available to purchase. Forty-Twenty will be supplying all our merchandise needs for the season 2006. A link to the Fort-Twenty site will soon follow.
|
|
Bulldogs Pre-Season Friendly versus South London Storm
- Wednesday 8th February 2006
Bulldogs have arranged a pre-season friendly on 23rd April Ko 1pm against RLC Premier side South London Storm.
Storm are coming down on Saturday 22nd April to train at St Peters Rec, support Thanet Wanderers RFC 2nd XV's game against Beckenham 2nd XV and then join us for a "Bonding" session afterwards.
Paul Brown of South London Storm is assisting us greatly as we strengthen our club, we are keen to develop South East Rugby League together.
|
|
Bulldogs Get Fixture List 2006
- Monday 30th January 2006
We have just received our fixture list for the coming season in the Rugby League Conference South East Region. We face 6 other sides; two other teams from Kent, 2 from Hertfordshire and one from London.
Our full fixture list for the 2006 season can be seen by clicking the link on the left.
|
|
Bulldogs Await Fixture List 2006
- Friday 20th January 2006
We Are Currently Awaiting Our Fixture List for 2006 - but these are due to be published by the League towards the end of January 2006.
|
